Targaryen Musings

The Key

Note: Daily Flash Fiction entry for 4/4/2024

WINNER! For the Daily Flash Fiction 4/42024!

Daily Flash Fiction Challenge  (13+) Enter your story of 300 words or less. #896794 by Arakun the twisted raccoon

The Key

Word Count: 294

She left her key behind. He stared at it for a long time before drawing in a long breath. What should he do?

It was their second date. They’d shared a meal at the local Mexican restaurant, nothing fancy. If anything, Casa Lupita was a bit “divey” in the truck stop part of town, with only six tables inside and a tacky yellow paint job, but the food was outstanding. They’d spent a long time talking and the waitress didn’t seem to care. She filled up their chips with a smile.

He asked her for a nightcap. She said “yes.” They went to his place and shared a rum and coke – her choice - and talked even longer. She glanced at her watch and suggested she leave. He leaned over and kissed her – a soft, gentle kiss. She placed her hand on his chest just when he thought it was going to go further. She wasn’t ready. He nodded his acceptance.

She got up and went to the door. Her purse was on the stand next to it. Anxious? Nervous? The purse spilled over and tipped over its contents. He helped her pick the items up – a makeup container, lipstick, a lucky two dollar bill. She fumbled to put the contents back in the bag and awkwardly left.

About twenty minutes later he spied the key on the stand. What should he do?

He walked over to his kitchen window and stared out onto the night sky. The moon was full and bright – full of life. Dare he bring her the key? He sighed, torn. He suspected she was just as reluctant to let the evening go as he was – she just wasn’t ready for more. Acknowledging that, he turned around toward the door.